17 more persons have received vaccine doses against Covid-19.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) through its latest figures publicized on Tuesday, revealed that 17 more vaccine doses were administered between January 8 –14.

As such, three more individuals received first doses, three more individuals received second doses and 11 more individuals received booster doses under the “Covid-19 Dhifaau” inoculation drive within the reporting period.

No second booster doses of vaccine were administered within the period.

Statistics indicate that the total number of first doses administered nationwide sits at 399,154, with 385,086 people having completed both doses.

This development has also pushed the total number of booster doses administered across Maldives to 167,619.

So far, 0.31 percent of the eligible population has received two booster doses, the total sitting at 1,397.

Of the eligible population to receive vaccine doses in the Maldives, 88.15 percent have completed the first dose, while 85.05 percent have completed both doses and 37.02 percent have received booster doses.

14,068 people are currently awaiting second doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The incumbent administration launched the “Covid-19 Dhifaau” inoculation drive on 1 February 2021.

Individuals who go in for vaccination will be required to bring their ID cards or an official document for identification purposes, wear loose clothing with easy access to shoulders, and must come after a full meal. They must also not be symptomatic or under quarantine.

The government initially announced the decision to administer booster shots of the Covid-19 vaccination, to immunocompromised persons, seniors and frontline workers. The decision to administer booster shots to frontline workers and those at high-risk of complications from Covid-19 who have received both doses of Covid-19 vaccine, came following recommendations from the Maldives Technical Advisory Group on Immunization. However, it was opened to all members of the general public, later on.

HPA revealed that the immunity provided by vaccination decreases over time and that a booster dose is required to boost immunity after six months, as it increases protection against infection and severe disease.

The public has been urged to receive their vaccination shots, in order to help curb complications from the virus.